Air Seychelles Returns to Europe with Direct Paris and Rome Connections

The island nation of Seychelles has strengthened its international accessibility through newly launched air services connecting the Indian Ocean archipelago directly with major European gateways. These developments carry significant implications for African travel professionals seeking to package premium island experiences for discerning clientele.

Air Seychelles, the national carrier, has commenced direct operations between the islands and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. The service operates three times weekly and will continue through May 2026, utilising a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner through a collaborative arrangement with Etihad Airways. This modern widebody aircraft offers comfort standards that appeal to luxury travellers seeking seamless long-haul journeys.

Complementing the French connection, a twice-weekly service to Rome began operations on 28 March. Flying on Wednesdays and Saturdays aboard an Airbus A320neo, this route includes a brief technical stop in Hurghada. The Italian link opens valuable opportunities for reaching travellers from Southern Europe, a market with strong appetite for exotic beach destinations.

Minister for Tourism and Culture Amanda Bernstein expressed pride in seeing the national carrier return to European skies. She emphasised that maintaining dependable connections remains essential as global travel patterns continue shifting. The Minister highlighted ongoing collaboration with airline and tourism partners to preserve the accessibility that makes Seychelles viable for international visitors while upholding the destination's renowned hospitality standards.

These European additions form part of a comprehensive connectivity network that travel professionals across Africa should understand when advising clients. The archipelago benefits from robust links through major African hubs that serve as gateways for travellers from numerous source markets.

Ethiopian Airlines maintains daily flights via Addis Ababa, connecting Seychelles to an extensive global network spanning Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas. This frequency provides flexibility for itinerary planning and opens possibilities for combining Seychelles with other African destinations. Similarly, Kenya Airways offers important connections through Nairobi, reinforcing links to the African continent and facilitating travel from numerous regional points.

For clients travelling from Southern Africa, multiple weekly flights from Johannesburg provide convenient access without requiring lengthy connections through distant hubs. This direct link proves particularly valuable for South African travellers and those connecting through the country's major international gateway.

Within the Indian Ocean region, Air Seychelles ensures regular connectivity to neighbouring destinations including Mauritius and Colombo. These links enable travel professionals to craft multi-destination itineraries combining several island experiences or incorporating Asian elements into holiday packages.

Seasonal services further expand the destination's reach. Aeroflot operates from Moscow, while German travellers benefit from services by Condor and Discover Airlines departing Frankfurt. Swiss visitors can access the islands through Edelweiss Air from Zurich, and Turkish Airlines maintains connections from Istanbul, opening access for travellers from Turkey and those transiting through this major crossroads.

Tourism authorities have noted that while certain airspace adjustments in parts of the broader region have affected some international routing, connectivity to Seychelles continues uninterrupted through its network of established airline partners. The islands themselves remain peaceful and secure, with all tourism services, accommodation properties, and attractions operating normally.

For African travel professionals, these developments reinforce Seychelles as a readily accessible luxury option for clients seeking pristine beaches, exclusive resorts, and unique natural experiences. The combination of African hub connections and restored European links creates packaging opportunities that can attract visitors from multiple source markets. As air access continues expanding, the archipelago's appeal as a premium Indian Ocean destination grows stronger, presenting promising possibilities for agents specialising in high-end leisure travel.